Issue 52: April

April

ISSUE 52

20 24

Contents.

Entertainment

Films to Watch This April (11) Right Up Your Street (22) Enough Internet for The Day (14-15) Tribute to Akira Toriyama (13)

Health & Lifestyle

Reducing University Stress (5) Spring Cleaning Tips (16) Inspirational Autistic People for Acceptance Month (6-7)

Fashion & Beauty Best Looks From 2024 (4)

News & Discussion Earth Day (18-19) Election Results Day (8-10)

Creative Writing

Writers

Bronze Sparks Charlie Dowey Evan Alexiou Jess Bourne Leah Corbett Maja Kaldonek Molly Lee

Designers Adrianna Jekot Bronze Sparks Ellie Astill Evan Alexiou Liam Stearn Munir Yusuf

Photographers Koel Eudynamys Kane Binnersley

So, Who Cares? (20-21)

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Editor’s Message

The Demon Team

Deputy Editor Noé Ponte

Entertainment Editor Elena D’Onofrio

Health & Lifestyle Editor Robbie Childerhouse

News & Discussion Editor Maria Regina Semedo

Sports Editor Iga Lapinska

Creative Writing Editor Jonathan Castro

Head of Editorial Design Liam Stearn

Head of Photography Evan Alexiou

Hi everyone, and thank you for picking up our April issue for this year.

This issue is filled with something for everyone, from the best fashion trends of the year to Earth Day! Get reading, and there’ll be something for you.

I hope you enjoy this issue, just as we all enjoyed creating it.

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Best Looks from 2024 The 20’s have seemingly been the years of dopamine dressing in our post-pandemic world, 2024 is set to take the same path. With many trends leaning into late 2000’s, early 2010’s fashion, it is clear to see the impacts of social media and fast fashion taking its toll on the 20 year cycle. With that being said, here are the best looks we have been seeing in 2024.

Continuing on from Autumn/Winter 2023, the first few trends to discuss have hung around as key staples in one's wardrobe.

The first of which being metallics. Emerging from Autumn and Winter as sparkles or cool silvers and gunmetal greys, this classic trend seems to have stuck around. Merely flipping from one side of the colour spectrum to the next. Cool toned metallics seem to be a continual theme in spring and summer ‘24.

Following on from that, going back to the grunge styles of the 90s we are seeing the reinterpretation of many transitional fabrics such as mesh, eyelets, and lace. Tied heavily into alternative subcultures such as grunge and goth, these new interpretations of these iconic fabrics reflect the times that lay ahead. Subcultures such as punk, new wave and grunge rear their heads at the height of political unrest as a statement against society and the establishment.

On a lighter, more joyous note; BOWS ARE STAYING! Bows and ribbons began to be popularised on TikTok by the coquette aesthetic in late 2022, and really became a hit in 2023. Tied all over Pinterest boards across the globe, bows are here to stay for the foreseeable!

A classic trend that is becoming a huge phenomenon in 2024 is leopard print. Whilst leopard print will always be a classic print, in recent years it has been labelled tacky. Becoming more muted in the last decade we are finally letting the cat out of the bag and going full on Kat Slater leopard. Some even argue that due to the colour palette, it is classed as neutral. I think I have to agree!

Lastly, on the topic of 2010’s fashion being back, it would be rude not to include the classic tumblr statement pieces that are back with a bang. The peplum top for example, has come back around with a slightly lower peplum as opposed to its exaggerated 2010’s counterpart that got paired with jeggings.

(We’re glad they’re not back yet!) As well as fringe detailing echoing the boho chic look of the mid 2010’s. From the recent influence of western styles such as cowboy boots and hats, it is natural for fringe to fight its way back too.

Lastly, the black cherry red colour. Deliciously pairing with all the trends outlined in this article, cherry red is the colour of the season. It was thought this would die out after Christmas but it seems to have continued to grow in popularity in the early months of this year. From nail colours, leather jackets and red Mary Jane’s all the shades of red will always be here to stay.

WRITTEN BY LEAH CORBETTT

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University are the best years of our lives but that doesn’t mean that those years don’t have their fair share of stressful moments.

Stress can arise from anything from upcoming deadlines to financial issues.But students should remember that they are not alone and there is support out there for them. There are also a range of tips and tricks that can reduce stress.

focusing on things that bring you joy.

These activities could include baking, journaling, crafting, watching a tv show or film, or reading. All of these are great for spending time with yourself and making sure you look after yourself whilst at university.

And you can do all of these from the comfort of your own home, in your pyjamas.

Healthy DMU DMU understands that being a student can be stressful and that’s why they have Healthy DMU. The service is there for students to support their health and wellbeing whilst at university. It offers Single Point of Access (SPA) appointments, and this is where you can speak to a member of the support staff about your wellbeing.

Healthy DMU also has resources available about mindfulness and mental wellbeing, which are all designed to improve your mental and physical health whilst studying at DMU. These resources can be found at the Healthy DMU Hub.

Speaking to a friend or course mate Talking about how you feel is one of the best ways to reduce stress and worries. By releasing how you feel, it reduces the tension you feel inside, rather than bottling up these emotions. By talking to someone you trust, it also means you don’t feel as overwhelmed as you previously did. Your friend or course mate could then offer different solutions to manage your stress. Not only could this talking help you, but it could also help your friend or course mate. All courses have their own struggles and opening about how you feel may give them the confidence to confide in you as well. And then you can support each other.

Getting active Exercise is a great stress reliever and mental boost. When the body exercises, it increases the production of endorphins, which increases the well-being feeling. This can be a simple ten-minute walk around town and Leicester does have some great walking trails with some beautiful scenery. You could even try to convince your flat mates to come along with you. However, any sport that you like can have the same effect, whether it is swimming, dancing, or cycling, they will all improve your mental health and reduce your stress.

Meditation Meditation is a practice which aims to mentally clear and achieve a stable and calm mindset. Meditating is all about breathing in and out and aiming to keep the mind as clear as possible. This takes practice but once you master it, it can be a great way to reduce stress.

Meditation can also help you to understand your pain, connect better, improve focus and reduce brain chatter.

If meditation is something that you are interested in taking part in, there are a lot of resources online that can help you to start.

Having some time to yourself We live in such a hectic world and young people today like to go out drinking and partying, and whilst this is fun for people, the stress will still be there the next day. So, instead of socialising with others, sometimes, it may help to spend some time alone,

So, those are a few ways to help to reduce the amount of stress that we deal with. I think talking to someone is always the best way to get through stressful situations and reduce the tension that we feel. But always remember don’t suffer in silence.

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Inspiration People with Autism W R I T T E N

B Y

M O L L Y

A

pril

is

often

L E E regarded

as

autism

awareness and acceptance month.

However, it is important to celebrate, accept and

respect those with autism throughout the year.

Autism

Spectrum

Disorder

(ASD)

is

a

developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. There are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Autism does not mean you have an illness or a disease, it means that your brain works differently than others.

Having autism does not define you or stop you from living a good life. There are plenty of inspirational people who don’t let their autism Elon Musk He is the CEO and founder of SpaceX and Tesla, as well as, the owner of X (formerly Twitter). With his several businesses and investments, Elon Musk is considered one of the wealthiest people in the world with an estimated net worth of over $190 billion. He is an ambitious, driven and intelligent person with a hugely successful career. During a TED Talk, Musk described how he learned to work with his brain and not against it. He made headlines after he hosted SNL and shared that he was the first person with Asperger’s Syndrome to host the show. Throughout his appearance on SNL and his career, he has shown that he has not let his ASD negatively define him.

define or limit them. Here are some.

Greta Thunberg Greta Thunberg is a Swedish environmental activist who challenges world leaders to take action for climate change. She has had lots of time under the spotlight and has even faced scrutiny, but has never been ashamed of talking about her Asperger’s diagnosis. Although her diagnosis makes her different, she sees it as a superpower. In an interview, she explained how being diagnosed with autism was a positive moment for her as she was able to get the support she needed and to know why she felt the way she did. She believes that you can use autism for good instead of it being something that holds you back.

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Susan Boyle

Dr Temple Grandin

Susan Boyle is a singer who rose to fame after

Grandin is a key advocate for the humane treatment

appearing on Britain’s Got Talent as a contestant in

of livestock for slaughter and is internationally

2009. She quickly became a fan favourite and came

known as a spokesperson for autism. She completed

second place, losing to the dance group, Diversity.

her PhD in Animal Science and has a successful

Despite not winning, she launched her music career

career where she designs livestock equipment. Due

with her debut album which

to her autism, she struggled with communication

became the number-one album in the same year.

and social interaction. With a high IQ, she has

She was not diagnosed with Asperger’s until 2012, as

dedicated her life to alleviating anxiety and fear

an adult. Many see Susan as a true example of how

caused by hypersensitivity to noise and touch for

people should not judge a book by its cover. She has

people with autism and animals.

expressed how her diagnosis gave her a sense of relief and made her relax a little. Since she made her form of autism public, she received waves of support which played an important role in raising awareness and attention to autism.

Others Some historical, inspirational people are thought to have had autism, although it can never be confirmed.

These include Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Michaelangelo, Sir Isaac Newton and more.

Many other people with ASD have successful careers, lives and futures. Just because their brain works differently from others, this does not mean that they can’t have a fulfilling life.

If you have been diagnosed with autism, waiting for a diagnosis or suspect that you may have autism, you can visit the National Autistic Society’s website where you can find contact information for your area. You can also contact your GP for support.

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DSU 2024 Academic

Executive Roles

Ramish Ayub

Union Development

Judith Olurankinse

Equality and Diversity

Welfare

Opportunities

Komal Shahzadi

Fluffy Adewola

Gurupriya Karasala Pg8

Elections B.A.M.E.

Postgraduate

Woman’s

International

Paige Billings

Harshdip Singh Gill Disabled Students Mature

Libs Morris

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Maninder Singh

Liberation Officers

Inderpreet Kaur Dharampreet Singh

Faculty Lead HLS

CEM

Hemamali Tibbotumunuwa

Janelle Chesire

ADH

BAL

Angel GarveyHendrickson

Precious Ogechi Ikechukwu Pg10

Spring is slowly approaching, and so is the urge to get oC the couch and take a rejuvenating walk on a sunny day through the park with an iced coCee in hand (yes, there is nothing better than a first sip of iced coCee in March! '). However, chilly April nights may still serve as a perfect opportunity & % $ # " to go back to the couch, wrap yourself in a comfy blanket (or a couple of comfy blankets) and catch up on the best motion pictures we have heard of this year.

1

Let's start with Emma Stone's allegedly best performance in Poor Things as Bella Baxter. We absolutely love Stone’s fearlessness and energy and starring in Poor Things proved once again that she’s a true breath of fresh air on screen. This peculiar film tells the story of a certain woman brought back to life by a scientist.

Basing oC on Mary Shelley’s story of Frankenstein, director Yorgos Lanthimos touches upon important societal struggles in one of the most interesting ways possible. So do not hesitate and see this one for yourself.

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Another film worth seeing must be Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest. Although its setting is surely dark and tragic, this film is most definitely worth seeing. Mostly set in Nazi-occupied Poland, it depicts the life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Hoss (Christian Friedel) and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Huller), who are both building a family in a house right beside the concentration camp. The film asks the question of how long one can maintain the illusion that everything is perfect, while it is far away from being even remotely right.

3

For all crime lovers out there, make sure to check out Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall. The film dives deep into the complicated marriage of a couple who live in the French Alps with their young son. Here again, we can observe the brilliant Sandra Huller in the role of simply ‘Sandra’ becoming the main suspect in the case of her husband’s mysterious death.

4

Finally, if you’re looking for something funny to watch, but you also don’t mind a bit of drama, Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is for you. A story about a student and his teacher set in the 1970s gives viewers excellent performances by Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Paul Hunham and Angus Tully. Even though it has both serious and sad moments, The Holdovers is undeniably hilarious.

The films discussed in this short article have all received high awards and high praise from critics. So, I wish you all enjoyable screenings!

Witten by Maja Kaldonek

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Kane Binersley

The Lost Abby

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Tribute to Akira Toriyama On March 1st 2024, the world mourned the loss of a creative like none other. Akira Toriyama passed away at the age of 68 from an acute subdural haematoma. Toriyama was one of the most influential manga artists of all time. His contribution to the Anime and Video Game industries and nerd culture in general will never be forgotten. From Dragon Ball Z to Dragon Quest, his work is beloved by millions across the globe. Most importantly, his work has influenced people like no other. To pay tribute to this legend, this article will feature some fun facts and details around the man, the myth, and legend, concluding with some personal notes from the author. So…let’s get into this: Akira Toriyama was born on April 5th, 1955, in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. He showed an interest in manga and drawing early in his life. Everything changed in 1978 when his one-shot manga "Wonder Island" was published in Weekly Shonen Jump. And the rest was history. After that, he became synonymous with the weekly Japanese publication.

Surprisingly, he gained notoriety from a comedy manga named "Dr. Slump," which ran from 1980 to 1984 and was widely successful. "Dr. Slump" was successful, but when one chapter ended, another began. For Akira, the next chapter would be historic. In 1984, he published "Dragon Ball"! The original "Dragon Ball" ran from 1984 to 1995, although the story was far from over.

The series hosted a cast of colourful characters, many of them inspired by "Journey to the West." Goku, the series protagonist, was visually influenced by Sun Wukong. The story talks about Dragon Balls, magic artifacts that, when collected, can grant a magical wish. However, the story wasn’t only about this. Not at all. You see, Akira wrote the continuation of the series with "Dragon Ball Z," which expanded from a planet to a universe-spanning story and featured grown-up versions of many of the characters. This is the work he is most famous for.

The themes of heroics, pushing through pain, becoming stronger, and creating a better version of yourself were prevalent throughout the series. "Dragon Ball" wasn’t his only work for the next few years. Toriyama created several other manga series, such as "Sand Land," "Cowa!," and "Jacō the Galactic Patrolman."

Toriyama was also known for his collaboration with the video game series "Dragon Quest." He was the character designer for the franchise, responsible for creating the iconic visual style of the games, including character designs, monsters, and environments. Toriyama's creations often shared a cohesive universe, with references and connections between his different works. For example, "Dr. Slump" and "Dragon Ball" were set in the same world, with characters from "Dr. Slump" making cameo appearances in "Dragon Ball."

Toriyama was known for his love of cars and motorcycles, which often appeared in his works. He also enjoyed collecting figurines and mentioned in interviews that he found inspiration for character designs from his collection. Toriyama's influence extended beyond manga and anime. His characters and stories inspired countless fan works, fan fiction, fan art, and even academic studies analysing the cultural significance of "Dragon Ball" and his other works.

If I was asked to name the work of Akira Toriyama in one word, I would say ‘inspirational’. His work was always so hopeful. It made you believe that in the end everything will be alright. And with that hope this article will conclude. There are endless quotes to end a Toriyama tribute on, but I choose one that reflects my attitude towards his work: “It's not a waste of time, if we're having fun.”

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Written by Evan Alexiou Designed by Munir Yusuf

Warning: Before diving into the world of internet trends and challenges, remember to put safety first. While these activities can be fun, some may pose risks to your health. Always think before you act, and never participate in anything that could cause harm to yourself or others. Stay safe and have fun responsibly!

As Moana said in the 2024 remake of Mean Girls. “This is a cautionary tale!” Welcome bac k, ladies and gentlemen, for another round of the craziest, funniest, and scariest trends from internet history. As always, a warning accompanies these trends, as some could be harmful to your health. Please refrain from trying anything dangerous to yourself or others as part of an internet trend.

Chubby Bunny Challenge (the 2000s): In this long-standing internet trend, players attempt to cram marshmall ows into their mouths while blurting out "Chubby Bunny" each time. The ultimate test is to see who can pile in the most marshmallows and still talk like a champ. While the Chubby Bunny Challenge is all about laughs, safety is key. Don't go overboard with the marshmallow madness to avoid any choking mishaps.

Salt and Ice Challenge (2012): The "Salt and Ice Challenge" was like a rollercoaster ride on the internet, with teens diving in headfirst.

Picture this: sprinkle salt on your skin, slap an ice cube on top, and brace yourself for a blast like never before! But hold onto your hats because this wild combo can lead to serious frostbite and burns, leaving behind some unwanted souvenirs like scars and second-degree burns. Schools and health experts sounded the alarm bells, urging everyone to avoid this d umb dare. Let's remember this fiasco as a cautionary tale about staying safe on the internet!

Andy is Coming challenge (2013): The "Andy is Coming" craze is a nod to a viral trend sparked by the Toy Story movies. In the world of Toy Story, a mere whisper of "Andy is coming" sends the toys flopping to the floor, playing possum. This fun challenge was born for kids to bring that movie magic to life. One p erson yells "Andy is coming," and bam! Everyone dramatically drops to the ground, channelling their inner toy. Unlike some other examples, this challenge is all about harmless fun and joy.

The Ice Bucket Challenge (2014): The Ice Bucket Challenge splashed into the scene like a whirlwind in the hot summer of 2014! This challenge wasn't just about drenching yourself in icy water; it was all about raising awareness and cash for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

This viral sensation warmed hearts worldwide, pulling in big bucks for ALS research and roping in celebs, influencers, and folks from every corner of the globe. The Ice Bucket Challenge proved that social media isn't just for selfies but also for helping a good cause!

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The Eraser Challenge (2015): The "Eraser Challenge" was wild, grabbing the attention of kids and teens alike. The challenge involves rubbing an eraser on your skin while rattling off the alphabet - all to see who can tough it out the longest. This seemingly harmless game could cause redness, burns, and even infections. Schools and parents freaked out over the risks involved. Remember, diving into these challenges can have some bad consequences. Stay sharp, put safety first, and maybe think twice before getting caught up in activities that could land you in hot water.

The Backpack Challenge (2016): Well this was like a whirlwind that swept through social media, where folks ran a backpack obstacle course dodging flying bags. It was all fun and games until the backpack missiles caused chaos and uproar. S chools and authorities quickly hit the brakes on this zany challenge, waving red flags over the safety concerns. As the dust settled, the Backpack Challenge quietly tiptoed off social media, teaching us all a lesson in safety first! Remember, while online challenges can be a blast, safety should always wear the crown.

The Bottle Flip Challenge (2016): The Bottle Flip Challenge, a craze among students an d young people, took the internet by storm. The mission? Flip a water bottle, and get it to stick the landing! Thanks to social media stardom, this challenge became a hit on platforms like Vine, YouTube, and TikTok. This fun and easy challenge went viral, inspiring countless people to share their epic attempts and dazzling trick shots. It's all about harmless fun and spreading joy, while also becoming a trend-setting sensation in the online world.

The Bird Box Challenge (2019): Inspired by the Sandra Bullock flick "Bird Box." Picture this: folks decided to tackle everyday tasks blindfolded, just like in the movie. From walking to cooking to even attempted driving blind, all recorded for the social media spotlight.

But oh boy, did this challenge ruffle some feathers! Safety folks squawked warnings left and right about the risks of wandering around blindfolded. Accidents, injuries, and worse could result, they clucked.

Best to steer clear of this challenge, they chirped, to avoid a flap about the dangers of impaired vision.

Alright, that was a rundown of some of the biggest trends from the last few years through the internet. I think I am zoned out. All these stories are enough to make me say: Enough internet for the day! However, I will not leave you with this cliche quote. No all I am gonna say is: As Moana said in the 2024 remake of Mean Girls. “This is a cautionary tale!”

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Spring

cleaning tips Although you may not realise due to the unpredictable UK weather, spring is here! You may think that spring cleaning is something your older relatives do randomly every year, but you can do it as a student too. So get those windows open and make your student home shine.

Nobody likes a dirty house so here are some spring cleaning tips.

The idea of a spring clean might sound great to you, but it is common for people to get overwhelmed when they begin the process. You might forget things that you have to do or lose track of what you have already done. That is why a checklist is a great tool to help you during your spring clean. There are many downloadable ones online or you can simply jot one down on a piece of paper yourself. Organise your list by room and tick them off once you have completed them.

Once all of your bullet points have been checked off, you have finished!

When you have been busy with classes and assessments, you do not notice the layers of dust starting to form. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets scared thinking a bit of dust on the ceiling is a massive spider. Well, you can get those gone very easily with a cheap feather duster from B&M. For flat surfaces, like your desk, use a microfibre cloth to wipe that dust away! You will be surprised by how much dust can build up.

If you are anything like me, when you are not in a lecture, you are in bed. So when you spend so much time in your bed, it is easy to forget that your bedding and sheets do need to be washed.

Springtime is the perfect time to wash your favourite duvet cover, sheets and pillowcases as you can hang them out to dry outside. Little tip – make sure you put pegs on when hanging it out to dry, otherwise it might blow away. There is no better feeling than going to sleep in fresh, clean bedding.

So you have your checklist ready and you begin to start your spring clean but you quickly get bored – what do you do? Open up your music playlist and blast your favourite tunes. You could even listen to a podcast whilst you dust the cobwebs away. Feel free to dance around with your feather duster!

Many people don’t realise that decluttering can be a part of spring cleaning. Decluttering unwanted items is a sustainable and simple way to begin the big clean. There are several options for what to do with your unwanted items. Selling your stuff on platforms like Vinted and eBay is a sustainable option that earns you some money and clears up space. Also, if you would like to support charities, you could donate your items to local charity shops.

I love Anti-Bacterial spray as it is simple, effective and comes in lovely different scents. It is important to regularly clean your surfaces, especially those in the kitchen and bathroom, to remove any harmful bacteria. The last thing you want is to be missing out on university life because you got ill from your kitchen countertop. So give the surfaces in your home a good spray of Anti-Bac. Don’t forget you can buy lovely floral-scented ones to remind you that it is springtime!

Written by Molly Lee designed by bronze sparks

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Lachlan Roessner Pg17

Mr Duckworth

EARTH DAY 2024

PLANET VS PLASTICS

E

arth Day, celebrated on Monday 22nd April, is an Ggg annual event used to demonstrate support for the environment and promote protection for the planet. The day celebrated calls for people to hold several sectors accountable for their actions that have negatively impacted the environment, whilst also calling for individuals to seek out bold, innovative solutions. Now, you may be thinking that one voice cannot change the world, but EarthDay.org believes that one voice can become a thousand voices which turns into a million voices. These many people demanding change is impossible to ignore. And that one voice will create a better, healthier world for all the generations to come. So, just think what your voice could achieve.

Before Earth Day was created, Americans were consuming large amounts of leaded gas from automobiles. Industries were also emitting harmful smoke with little fear of the consequences that would follow. At this time, in the mid 1900’s, society was mostly oblivious to how pollution could threaten human health and wellbeing.

This is the history of Earth Day. Senator Gaylord Nelson had grown concerned about the environment and after he witnessed the ravages of an oil spill in Santa Barbara, he wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public understanding about pollution – both air and water. Nelson decided to target young, open-minded students and took his ideas to college campuses. Along the way, he recruited Denis Hayes, an activist. His role was the organise these events and try to target the public. They conveniently decided to hold this event in April, which fell between a holiday and exams in an attempt to maximise the turnout. Haynes thought bigger and recruited a national staff which included 85 other members, in which their role was to promote the events that were being held across the country. The first Earth Day which was held in 1970 inspired 10% of all Americans (at the time, which is around 20 million people) to take to the streets, auditoriums, and parks to demonstrate against the 150 years of industrial development which had gone by without the thought of human health.

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Earth Day saw many different groups, fighting for different things, come together for this special day. Some of these groups were fighting against oil spills, polluting factories, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, and the extinction of wildlife. But Earth Day united all these groups that were willing to fight to make the world a healthier place to live. The day also achieved support from Republicans and Democrats, which was viewed as a rare political alignment. Earth Day also led to first-of-their-kind laws, the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Clean Air Act. In 1990, Hayes was approached to organise another campaign which resulted in Earth Day becoming a global event. Over 200 million people in 141 different countries took part and it finally made people think about environmental issues.

There was another campaign, organised in 2000. This time, it focused on global warming and calling for clean energy. This time, Earth Day reached people in 184 countries, in which they all took part in eventsranging from rallies to marches. In Gabon, Africa, a talking group chain travelled from village to village. For Earth Day’s 40th anniversary, around one billion people took part in this event. In an attempt to make meaningful change, over 200 elected officials from over 39 countries took part in conversations with constituents about how to make impactful change, be sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint.

In 2016, the United Nations selected Earth Day to sign The Paris Agreement which provided countries with framework to guide the global effort for years to come. Three key elements of the agreement are: limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, review countries commitment to cutting emissions every five years and provide climate finance to developing countries. In 2020, despite the pandemic, they were still committed to celebrated Earth Day which they did with a virtual event. This was hosted

by EarthDay.org and a group of young activists. They took part in a threeday livestream. After 100 million people recognised the 50th anniversary, it has been referred to as the largest online mobilisation in history.

The movement continues to build on the work that it has already achieved. It has joined with thousands of partners across the world that are dedicated to creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery. Countries around the world all try to do their part in promoting Earth Day. In Canada, they have ceremonial tree planting, educational talks and fundraisers. Whereas in the Philippines, they focus on collective climate action, which they hope will one day ensure that the planet is still habitable. They are also known for hosting Earth Day Runs. In Copenhagen, Denmark, they play drums that are placed at the four corners of the world. Japan hosts an Earth Day Festival in the Yoyogi Park. During the day, they are visited by eco-friendly cooks, different charities and student groups that host workshops. They also have an Earth Day Concert featuring music that celebrates the planet. South Africa encourages its citizens to get involved with litter picking, use less water and reduce the amount of plastic waste. And in Italy, potentially, the grandest event – they host a multiple-day festival, which takes place in the Villa Borghese. The festival includes a large concert, various activities and workshops aimed at children's and teenagers.

All pictures used in this article are from website unsplash.com

If you want to make a difference, there are many things that you can do:

- Signing the global plastic treaty, which is aiming to end plastic pollution, protect human health, and eventually live in a world that is waste free.

- Educate yourself on plastics.

- Reject fast fashion.

- Join the great global cleanup.

- Embark on the #plasticdetox challenge.

There are also in-person events in and around Leicester such as Earth Day at Space Park Leicester. Entry is free and you will be able to get hands-on with nature. Such as litter picking, create some art with recycled materials and many more activities. Places can be reserved on Eventbrite.

Wrote by Jess Bourne Designed by Adrianna Jekot

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So, Who Cares Endora is a planet hidden in the pocket of the known universe. It’s not a major one. Not really big in size or importance. Don’t let its average size fool you though. This planet has a wild beauty. The surface is sandy, the sand coloured purple, and the skies are dark blue. In Endora, there is no light.

It is a place with constant night-time, with stars visible 24/7. The planet revolves around a dark sun, dark blue in colour, hence the constant night-time. It revolves very slowly around said sun, taking almost 80 years for a full journey, making New Year's Eve a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Our story takes place on New Year's Eve, in the city of Akato. Everyone is getting ready to celebrate. This neon-light cyberpunk hellhole is paradise to some and a prison to others. The rich folks gather on top of huge skyscrapers, enjoying lavish meals and exotic drinks, laughing, talking, and sometimes backstabbing. More importantly, they wait for the sky to fill up with fireworks. Down in the slums, the common folk wait too.

"They say there are going to be so many fireworks that the skies will turn into day."

"I'll believe it when I see it." That's the type of gossip the lowlifes discuss in the streets as they all back into their corners to watch the spectacle.

Aurelia didn’t care. She lay with her back against the wall, next to the speed bike she had stolen from her uncle's garage. "He deserved it," she thought to herself. "That bastard was always mean."

She smoked her last cigarette with anticipation, constantly glancing at her floating watch, waiting for a ping, a signal, a sign from him.

It beeped. A location a few hours away from the city, next to a canyon. She finished her cigarette and jumped on the bike. The bike floated with incredible speed through the city streets to the purple sand dunes. She rode fast, underneath the endless sky of stars. It was all for him. Dax always made her feel alive. She was curious what this crazy man had in mind. As she got closer, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He was just chilling next to a crate on the edge of a cliff, the giant canyon laying underneath, huge, gorgeous, and full of dangers.

She stopped her bike about 20 meters away from him, got down, and started walking faster towards him. Aurelia jumped into Dax's arms without hesitation. They embraced for a few minutes, then she backed off.

Dax said, "Are you ready for the show?"

She didn't even get to answer. Dax pulled out a laser gun and shot the bike in the self-destruct spot. The bike burst into flames.

“No going back now,” he told her. Aurelia was not scared nor mad. She was excited. She was an adrenaline junkie and couldn’t wait for what he had in mind.

"They say New Year's Eve here is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so I made preparations to go see the fireworks."

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"From where?" she asked.

"Up close," said Dax, as he leaned over and opened the box which contained two spacesuits.

"What have you done?" she asked.

"Hey, we are both thieves, so who cares. I don’t think anyone will notice now." He answered.

"These suits will protect us."

They suited up in their silver spacesuits.

"Now what?" asked Aurelia Dax smirked, "We are going to see the fireworks."

He then pulled out two space jet packs. They taped their gloves together so their arms would never separate, hugged, and turned the engines on. They flew over the canyon, then over the city, then into the atmosphere. They sat pretty high in the skies and waited patiently.

And then the sky erupted. While they were holding hands, the sky filled up with thousands upon thousands of fireworks, painting the darkness with bursts of vibrant colours. It was magical. He wanted to take a closer look. Aurelia was a bit uncertain if they should, as it could be dangerous.

“Do you trust me?”

“With all my heart.”

“Good,” he said as he grabbed her into a tight hug, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of the explosions and flew directly into the fireworks.

She closed her eyes until he stopped. She opened them and realized the suits were protecting them from the blazing trails of light and heat. She smiled, feeling the exhilaration coursing through her veins. He smirked, his eyes reflecting the dazzling display, and they stayed in each other's arms, surrounded by thousands of erupting sparks and lights, lost in the moment of pure, unadulterated joy.

It was in the middle of this chaos that Dax's heart was racing. Everything was going according to plan. The jet packs, the fireworks, the expensive ring in his spacesuit pocket. It was made out of imsaran, a metal from the planet Imsaro. Very expensive.

"It's been five years," he thought to himself. "Time to settle down with Aurelia." The scene was set.

And he was ready. Or so he thought. He was sweating. His heart was racing. "What if she says no?" he thought. He was second-guessing himself. Yet he knew there would never be a better chance, so hesitantly, he reached into his pocket as he looked directly into her eyes.

Then his expression changed. To that of fear and confusion, as he couldn’t find the ring. Her expression changed too. Into a smirk. As she reached into her pocket and pulled out the ring.

"Why?" he asked, defeated.

"As you said," Aurelia answered, "we are both thieves, so who cares."

WRITTEN BY: EVAN ALEXIOU DESIGNED BY: EVAN ALEXIOU

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By Charlie Dowey

The evolution of street art Street art is viewed as one of the biggest visual art movements - you can find it splashed across cities around the world.

From there, graffiti tags grew and grew, and artists began to include elements like arrows, stars and icons alongside the text. Over time, this graffiti culture evolved into the vibrant street art we see today.

Occasionally, street art reaches tourist attraction status.

Take the huge Lana Del Rey mural found near Venice Beach, California, for example. Or the impressive mural on St George’s Tower, Leicester, which is 82m high.

While traditionally, street artists have used spray paint, it is now common to find other types of visual art such as sculptures, mosaics, stickers and video projections.

It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact origin, however, it’s claimed that the movement stems from the graffiti culture born in the 1960s and 1970s.

These days, street art is very conceptual. Artists will often play with different symbols to build a message about society which speaks to people.

In 1967, one street artist known as Cornbread began to tag his neighbourhood in Philadelphia, USA. To impress his love interest, he set off to write his name at different locations along her bus route. That’s a lot more romantic than sending a cheeky DM, don’t you think?

The three artists below have all done this in their own unique ways. Each of them made their mark in the world of street art by creating eye-catching, meaningful, urban masterpieces.

Introducing some of the top street artists

Keith Haring Keith Haring was an American artist and activist renowned for his bold, colourful and often cartoonish images. He’s considered a key figure in New York’s innovative art scene. Some of his work touched on social and political themes including the AIDS epidemic and substance abuse. He made lots of chalk drawings in New York’s subway stations where all kinds of people would walk by because he was driven to make art accessible for everyone. His designs have had a notable impact on modern-day fashion.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Banksy

Basquiat was another revolutionary artist based in New York. His work, which combined graffiti and neoexpressionism, often focused on race, identity and politics. Initially he used the pseudonym “SAMO” when signing his work. Basquiat’s bold imagery and clever use of text & symbols captivated audiences. He went on to collaborate with Andy Warhol in the 1980s. They merged their two distinct styles across a series of paintings.

Banksy is a mysterious street artist, activist and filmmaker based in England.

Importantly, his identity remains unknown which adds to the buzz around his pieces. Banksy typically uses stencils as they allow him to create detailed pieces quickly on location. He often critiques authority and challenges societal norms through his artwork. It is common to find Banksy pieces that express messages about war, violence and capitalism.

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